A large 17 1/2"(44.5cm),(Shigaraki tsubo or grain storage jar, with natural wood-ash glaze. The glaze is buff to soft orange in color with feldspar evident in the clay. This tsubo, with its flaring shoulders and mouth and tiny foot, particularly elegant in form, is exemplary of the Muromachi or Momoyama periods and this piece has been dated as circa 1550. See Louise Allison Cort's "Shigaraki Potters Valley" (published by Kodansha international), cover piece and color plates numbers 5,6 and 7 for reference.

A large temple mask of an old man. Carved cypress (hinoki) with painted and lacquer finish over a gesso undercoat and has remains of hair eyebrows and mustaches. It had been split in half and repaired. Minor losses to surface, otherwise in fine condition. 19th century. 12 1/2" high.

A hanging scroll, ink and mineral pigments and gilt on silk. This painting depicts the Empress Jingo catching a fish without bait, portending a successful invasion of Korea. Towards the end of the Togagawa era there was alot of dissent, and the movement for the "restoration" of the Emperor was threatening the shoganate. Ukita Ikkei (1795-1859)was a loyalist and as a leading member of the revived Imperial court yamoto-e painting tradition, expresses his dissention via this painting honoring the mythology of the Imperial court. It subtly invokes an image of the popular Ebisu and Daikoku, but his politics were not camouflaged enough and he was arrested and imprisoned then died soon after his release. Overall size 61.75" h x 20.75" w (220cm x 52.7cm), Image size 34.25" x 13.75" (87cm x 35cm)

A wonderful fourteenth century gilt-bronze figure of Syamatara (Green Tara) seated in lalitasana. Very good condition, with ware to the gilding on the face,(creating a compelling and warm presence energized by the lithe animated pose), some original turquoise, replacement opals, lapis, turqoise and red inserts. Unsealed base. 5.75" (14.5cm) high. provenance on request